Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Smiles From Spencer Foundation

Smiles From Spencer Foundation is a registered Canadian charity founded in 2010 by Tyson and Janna Turner in memory of their son Spencer, who faced an inoperable brain tumour. The foundation operates as a family support and childhood cancer support charity, raising money in the community and then directing those funds to organizations and initiatives that improve the quality of life of sick children and their families, particularly in Alberta and Northern Alberta.

On its website, the foundation highlights significant amounts already raised and donated to partner organizations, including the Kids with Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta. This demonstrates a clear role as a funding conduit: mobilizing community generosity through events and direct donations, then granting those proceeds to established childhood cancer charities and related family support services.

Rather than running complex application-based grant programs, Smiles From Spencer focuses on community fundraising and discretionary giving. Its main beneficiaries are charities and initiatives that offer direct support to children with cancer and their families, providing everything from emotional support to experiences that bring joy and relief during treatment.

The foundation organizes events such as the Swingin' Smiles charity golf tournament, which features golf, auctions, raffles and dinners to raise funds. Individuals and businesses can participate as golfers, dinner guests or sponsors, and can also contribute door prizes, silent auction items or financial sponsorships. The organization also accepts online donations for those unable to attend events, creating multiple entry points for supporters to contribute to its funding pool.

The mission of Smiles From Spencer Foundation is to raise money to improve the quality of life for sick kids and their families, while keeping Spencer’s legacy of joy and resilience alive. The foundation emphasizes that a nonprofit is only as strong as the community that supports it, and it actively invites volunteers, event participants and sponsors to collaborate in its fundraising efforts.

Through years of activities, the foundation has channelled tens of thousands of dollars to partner organizations, helping to finance programs, services and wishes that give children and families “reasons to smile” despite serious illness. By focusing on collaborative fundraising and transparent support of recognized charities, Smiles From Spencer plays a complementary role in the broader childhood cancer support ecosystem.